Tensions in Gujarat's Surat after minors pelt stones at Ganesh pandal, 33 arrested
PTC Web Desk: Tensions erupted in Gujarat's Surat district early Monday morning after a group of minors allegedly pelted stones at a Ganesh pandal in the Sayedpura area. The incident led to a clash between locals, resulting in heavy police deployment to control the situation.
The incident, which took place around 2:30 am, triggered anger among locals, who gathered in large numbers at a local police unit, demanding immediate action against the accused. In response, the police carried out a lathi charge and used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot confirmed the altercation, stating, "Some children pelted stones at a Ganesh pandal, leading to a clash. Police were deployed immediately, and necessary actions like lathi charge and tear gas were used to maintain peace. We have arrested all individuals involved in the disturbance."
Heavy police forces, consisting of over 1,000 personnel, were deployed to secure the area and prevent further unrest. The police said six minors, who allegedly initiated the stone-pelting, were detained, while 27 others were arrested for encouraging the violence.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and BJP MLA Kanti Balar visited the site early in the morning and interacted with locals to calm tensions. Sanghavi provided an update on X (formerly Twitter), announcing, "As promised, we have arrested the stone-pelters before sunrise. 27 persons, along with six minors, have been detained, and surveillance operations are still ongoing. Strict action will be taken against all responsible."
Sanghavi emphasized that CCTV footage, drone visuals, and other technical surveillance were being used to identify any remaining culprits involved in the unrest. The police assured the public that peace has been restored in the area and any further disturbance will be dealt with swiftly.
- With inputs from agencies
